Natural Disaster Risk in Memphis

Natural Hazard Profile: Memphis, Missouri

Memphis is a town of roughly 3,258 residents in Scotland County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot summers, cold winters, and collision of multiple air masses, with year-round severe weather including tornadoes, ice storms, and floods shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Memphis.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Memphis carries an overall risk score of 5.4/10, placing it in the moderate category. Heat wave risk stands out as the primary natural hazard here, with above-average summer temperatures amplified by urban heat island effects in developed areas. The area also faces notable exposure to landslide and drought.

Memphis's risk score, slightly below the 5.9/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Scotland County, the highest-scoring are heat, landslide, and drought. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Memphis residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for heat is recommended.